GIVEAWAY & Mini-Review of All We Shall Know: A Novel by Donal Ryan

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A breathtaking and redemptive novel from the award-winning and Man Booker nominated author Donal Ryan 

Melody Shee is alone and in trouble. At 33 years-old, she finds herself pregnant with the child of a 17 year-old Traveller boy, Martin Toppy, and not by her husband Pat. Melody was teaching Martin to read, but now he’s gone, and Pat leaves too, full of rage. She’s trying to stay in the moment, but the future is looming, while the past won’t let her go. It’s a good thing that she meets Mary Crothery when she does. Mary is a bold young Traveller woman, and she knows more about Melody than she lets on. She might just save Melody’s life.

Following the nine months of her pregnancy, All We Shall Know unfolds with emotional immediacy in Melody’s fierce, funny, and unforgettable voice, as she contends with her choices, past and present.

my thoughts:

Beautiful, lyrical writing that engages and captivates. This story is Irish literature at its very best! 

All We Shall Know is the story of Melody Shee, a young woman who finds herself pregnant.  The only problem (or maybe not) is that her husband is not the father.  Yep, turns out that the baby daddy is a seventeen-year-old Traveller student she had been teaching.  Say what?! Yep, Melody was unfaithful and now she has to deal with the aftermath of her indiscretion.  And lets just say, her husband is not a happy camper.  In fact, the whole town gets angry at Melody when they find out.  Considering its a small town, its not too long before judgement is doled out.  Struggling to figure out her new normal, Melody befriends a Traveller named Mary.  The two women become close and find that their lives are very similar, despite the fact that they come from two very different communities.  Through their friendship we learn about the Traveller community, Irish culture, and two very flawed  women whose pasts are affecting them in very vivid and powerful ways.  Reading about Melody and Mary was fascinating and eye-opening.  I absolutely hated and loved them simultaneously.  Their depths of loneliness was heart-wrenching.  

All We Shall Know is captivating, intense, and unputdownable.  I LOVED it! I can't wait to read more of Ryan's works.  And, I happily recommend this book to anyone looking for their next great read - you are going to LOVE All We Shall Know. 

GIVEAWAY:  Thanks to the publisher I am able to give away two (2) copies of this book! All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave me a comment. Don't forget to include your email address - that way I can contact you, if you win the book.  Last date to enter is July 15th.  US residents only. Good luck!!



Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!